I like to make interesting shapes with my body as much as the next yoga teacher. But if there is one thing I want my students to take from my yoga lessons, it’s not a “more advanced” version of a handstand. It is a deeper confidence in themselves – an understanding that their bodies are wise and must be the ultimate power for what they put in, when and to what extent. Skilled Yoga, or oral instructions are a powerful way to pass this point.
As a teacher, however, it may be a challenge to formulate confidence in your intuition in yoga, especially in a way that goes with them when they leave the yoga room.
The old stand-by “Listen to your body” is a good start, but many students do not fully understand what that means. Not to mention that it is one of these yoga slogans that are so often repeated in yoga classes, it can become more like a background noise. It is nice to hear, but it does not make students pause or encourage them to do (or do not) anything.
So what is a well -legal yoga teacher? If you want to help your yoga students learn to trust their intuition above all, give them the opportunity to practice this skill every time they unravel their carpets.
Here are 5 yoga cues to encourage yoga students to hear their intuition.
1. Pause here and notice if your breath is still slow and still. What does your breath tell you?
Why it works:
Breathing is often the most affordable way to “listen to your body” because it is tangible. It is easy to observe if you have been shifted from a slow, steady breathing to a restraint pattern, unstable rhythm or breathing in the chest.
See also Breathing yoga to reduce stress
2. Notice what your body is now and let yourself go there.
Why it works:
In the yoga class, we often go to “follow together”, which means we are trying to follow the best to follow what the teacher exactly says.
Don’t get me wrong, listening to your teacher is a good skill. But we don’t want to create students who always look out for answers.
Instead, this slogan encourages your student to raise awareness to their bodies and to distinguish for himself what they need at all times.
3. It’s okay to stay in any position that feels good.
Alternative: Feel free to stay here or move on to the next stop.
Why it works:
This slogan gives your students permission to stop a flow to do their own thing for a while. Sends a clear message that their intuition sins in any external instructions. For many people, yoga class is the only safe place where they are ignoring the suggestions of others and doing what they know is right for them. And this makes it extra aggressive and important.
4. Reconnect with your intention for exercise today.
Why it works:
It is easy to get carried away during a yoga class, especially when your mind is so focused on natural. It is human nature to fight to achieve more. Achieving more and more physically provocative positions can be the reason why some people exercise yoga, but for most people who are just a small part of a larger goal.
This works even if you did not specifically ask your students to put an intention (or sankalpa) at the beginning of the class. You could mention it during the most difficult times in the classroom, when I can see the jaws tighten and token. “Remember your intention for exercise today.
This is a gentle reminder to your students that they are responsible for their own experience and have the service to change their approach when needed.
5. Now is your opportunity to make any last -minute moves, set, etc. You have to feel that your practice is complete. When you are done settle for Savasana.
Why it works:
Not everyone can lie down and rest in Savasana on request. Some people need a little more time to finish. They may want a moment to reach a stop we didn’t do during class. Or even to grab socks, hoodor a blanket. Others, on the other hand, may be exhausted and ready. This slogan recognizes that there is no approach to a size for practice (even Savasana) and gives so much the opportunity to do what works best for them.
